Donna L. Contonis (née Berlie), 83, of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Sun City, AZ.
Born on August 2, 1942, to Donald and Leona Berlie in Alliance, Nebraska, Donna grew up in Chadron, NE. She attended public schools there and subsequently graduated from Chadron State College in 1964. On June 21, 1964, she married the love of her life, Dan Contonis, in Chadron, Nebraska, in a beautiful combined ceremony performed by both a Methodist minister and a Greek Orthodox priest—symbolizing the unity and strength that would characterize their 62 years of marriage. Donna lived a life defined by devotion—to her faith, her family, her students, and her community.
Donna led an extraordinarily gratifying professional life as an elementary school teacher and later as the owner and operator of her own preschool. Even while building her career, she balanced the full responsibilities of being a devoted wife and deeply engaged mother. She had a natural gift with children—patient, nurturing, and encouraging—and her influence shaped countless young lives.
Donna was the proud and loving mother of three children: Deena Marie Kennell (Ryan Kennell), Christopher Daniel Contonis (Gayle Gomer Contonis), and Nikki Dion Dolan (Terry Dolan). She was also the cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She is further survived by her husband Dan, her sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Bernard Cripps, and two beloved nephews.
An avid swimmer, Donna believed confidence began early—her children were swimming before they could walk. She not only taught her own children how to swim but taught hundreds of other youngsters with her involvement in the Red Cross swimming programs. Donna volunteered with CASA, advocating for abused and neglected children in the Foster Care system which was a program very dear to her heart. On top of all that, she was a phenomenal culinary artist. Donna learned to cook from her mother. Then, she learned to cook a multitude of Greek sweets and other traditional recipes from Dan’s mother. Additionally, she expressed her creativity through sewing and quilting, creating treasured pieces that will remain lasting family heirlooms. She also loved playing Bridge and Mahjong, valuing both the mental challenge and the cherished friendships formed around the table.
Her commitment to community was unwavering. Donna served in numerous leadership roles in civic and church organizations throughout her life. For many years, she faithfully served as Guardian of the Job’s Daughters Chapter in Alliance, mentoring and guiding young women with wisdom and compassion. Donna was a 50+ year member of PEO and held many leadership positions with them over the years. She was deeply active in Episcopal Church life, offering her leadership and dedication to three different parishes over the years.
Donna will be remembered for her boundless energy, her servant’s heart, her steady faith, and the deep love she extended to all who knew her. She lived fully, gave generously, and led with quiet strength. She was always first to offer support and concern for anyone who needed a hug or a quiet word of encouragement.
A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at Advent Episcopal Church Sun City West, AZ April 11,2026, at 11:00 am. A Rite of Christian Burial and Interment will follow next August, in Alliance Nebraska.
Her legacy lives on in the generations she taught, the family she nurtured, and the community she helped strengthen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to any of the following:
Advent Episcopal Church 13150 W Spanish Garden Drive,Sun City West AZ 85375
The Chadron State Foundation, 1000 Main St. Chadron NE 69337
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 312 W 16th Street Alliance, NE 69301
Alliance Public Schools Foundation 1604 Sweetwater Ave. Alliance NE.69301